How does Simtustus compare for kokanee?

[Waterfish]

With diesel at almost $5.00/gal, I am trying to shorten up the driving distances for my fishing trips. Lake Merwin is 85 miles from my house; Lake Simtustus is about 95 miles, and Paulina Lake is at least 150 miles. Lake Billy Chinook is a little further than Simtustus. I've never fished Simtustus. How is Simtustus for kokanee compared to the other good kokanee lakes in central Oregon?:help:

[FallRiverGuy]

I use to fish Simtusus several time per year for kokanee. Four years ago the size started to decrease from nice 16-18" fish to average sized ones. In the spring the fishing seemed good, but it became increasing difficult to catch them as the water warmed. The fishing also fluctuates with the water release from Round butte Dam. The fishing is usually better before water is released. There is also a long run up to the narrows that takes 30 minutes at 10 mph. Kokanee can be caught lower, but the fishing is much better further up.

It is a beautiful place to fish, but with the commute for me, the required tribal permit, and the average sized fish, it lost its appeal for me.

You should give it a try to see if you like it. I'll have to add that it is a challenging place to downrigger fish for kokanee because of being narrow and sudden changes in depth.

[Waterfish]

I use to fish Simtusus several time per year for kokanee. Four years ago the size started to decrease from nice 16-18" fish to average sized ones. In the spring the fishing seemed good, but it became increasing difficult to catch them as the water warmed. The fishing also fluctuates with the water release from Round butte Dam. The fishing is usually better before water is released. There is also a long run up to the narrows that takes 30 minutes at 10 mph. Kokanee can be caught lower, but the fishing is much better further up.

It is a beautiful place to fish, but with the commute for me, the required tribal permit, and the average sized fish, it lost its appeal for me.

You should give it a try to see if you like it. I'll have to add that it is a challenging place to downrigger fish for kokanee because of being narrow and sudden changes in depth.

Thanks! That is exactly the kind of information I was looking for! Now I'll have to decide whether to go there, Paulina, Crescent, etc. I will be careful with my downriggers there... I hate snagging downrigger balls on the bottom! From what I've read about Simtustus, there are some pretty big rainbow trout in there, as well as lots of smallmouth bass. That may make a trip there worthwhile even if the kokes are small.

[pstutheit]

I fished at Simtustus this past weekend. I can attest to it being a dangerous place to downrigger fish. Lost a ball, attached to which was a ford fender and a downrigger release. Doh!

I didn't make it up to the Narrows or very far from the launch at Pelton Park, so I have no idea how the koke fishing was up there, but I couldn't scare one up in the lower end of the lake. Plenty of rainbows, and, i gotta say, I usually hate eating trout, but these were pretty delicious.

[dlm]

fished at Simtustus this past weekend. I can attest to it being a dangerous place to downrigger fish. Lost a ball, attached to which was a ford fender and a downrigger release. Doh!
If you are using a Scotty you can adjust the clutch so when you hook something with the ball, like the bottom, it will just pull off more line, until you reach the end that is, but you have to keep you eye on the line. If it's not going straight down, you have a problem.

[pstutheit]

If you are using a Scotty you can adjust the clutch so when you hook something with the ball, like the bottom, it will just pull off more line, until you reach the end that is, but you have to keep you eye on the line. If it's not going straight down, you have a problem.

That sounds like a nice feature. I'm using Invaders, and I'm not sure it has that feature. Probably does, as it has an adjustable clutch. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip.

[kenaifishn]

If you don't mind not having full hook-ups, try the camp ground on the Warm Springs side. It will save you a long boat ride back to the narrows. it has running water. Drive in is a little rough. Nice boat ramp, and lots of beach area.

[stupenny5]

We have always did better up stream. we always troll up and when you load up great place to start. :D